Classical for recording

[markeymark]

I've been playing guitar for 25 years. I'm looking for a new nylon string guitar to record with. My current nylon string guitar is a Ovation 1863 Legend. The Guitar I was thinking of getting is a Jose Ramirez 2CWE. Any opinions on this model or suggestions on a other model. I would like onboard electroncs to eliminate the need for miking. I mainly play electric and steel stringed accoustics. Now that I'm getting older I want to develope my classical skills and would like a guitar that can grow with me.

[Miguel]

Hi there,

The Ramírez 2CWE is definitely a strong contender. It will give you a nice contrast with your Ovation, and certainly a much more traditional feel. You should also know that the 2CWE usually comes with a slightly narrower neck than the average classical guitar: 50mm width, as opposed to 52mm. This doesn't sound like a lot, but it is VERY noticeable once you play it. Since you mostly play steel-string and electric guitar, you will probably find this 50mm neck to be very comfortable.

Regarding the pickup, the 2CWE has a Fishman ProBlend, which not only has the standard under-the-saddle pickup, but it also has a built-in miniature electret microphone, and a blender, so you can mix them. This makes it a very versatile system, both for recording or performing.

Feel free to give us a call at GSI if you have any more in-depth questions about this or other models. Ultimately, do remember that it will be your ears, hands and eyes that will dictate which model works best for you. But we will do our best to help guide you in the process.

Good luck on your search!
Miguel
GSI

[snetzley]

I own a Ramirez 2CWE. Bought it this past March. I can't say enough good things about it. As Miguel says, the neck is slightly more narrow than the standard 52mm, but I find it very comfortable to play. It's also very "easy," meaning that I like the action. I didn't have to have anything adjusted. It also is clear and true on every single note up and down the neck.

I tried a few guitars when I was looking for a new instrument, but when I picked up the Ramirez 2CWE and played the first note it just sang to me. I felt it vibrate through my whole body. It was like the sound coming out was not just from the guitar. I know I'm waxing poetic here, but I really love this guitar! I'd highly recommend that you try one out and see how you like it.

Sharon

[snetzley]

I forgot to say that the electronics on the 2CWE are excellent. It sounds awesome amped and unamped. My guitar instructor doesn't want me to plug it in TOO often so I don't lean on the amp instead of working on my technique. :)

[keith]

hey sharon, how goes it up there in hav-a-rill ? check out the ramirez flamenco discussion--aaron green from waltham. another yankee in the spotlight.

[snetzley]

Hi Keith,

Things are great in good ole Haverhill, unless you look at the city politics. But that's another story! :mrgreen: How're things in Boston? I don't get down there much, but gotta go to Cambridge Friday afternoon. No, not with my guitar.

Yes. I saw the posts on Aaron. Makes me think about taking a trip to Waltham to play more guitars!

[keith]

hey sharon--
boston be boston! my company's home office is in cambridge but i work in dorchester--in the hood. to get to my office i have to drive through the hood and frequently do so with john williams' koyunbaba or l.a.g.q.'s el amor brujo playing at a nice volume (not the earth shaking style though) and you should see heads snapping. i guess driving a metallic neon green geo metro also helps with the shock value.

i think getting an ice cream truck (they have those great p.a. systems) and just driving around playing classical guitar music would truly be a cool thing to do--until someone decides to shoot at it.

you should give aaron a call--he is a very nice guy. where in cambridge are you heading? i am not sure if you can get my e-mail address through this forum--if not, other folks can follow the boston area chit chat.

as to your drive through cambridge :x they just keep ripping up the streets and sidewalks.

[snetzley]

Hi Keith,

Your profile doesn't contain your email address. Which is okay by me. I'm going to give you one of my email addresses here so we can take the Boston chit chat off line. You can write me at: sharon.netzley@verizon.net.

But back to guitar: I haven't been able to play for more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time for about a week. I strained my left hand between thumb and forefinger. The good news is that it makes very aware of how much I'm gripping the neck of my guitar! Nothing like a little pain to make one lighten up.